Experiences of trauma can occur in single events such as a car crash or a single experience of assault with a defined beginning and end. However, for many people there is no one single event to point to that explains the symptoms of trauma (PTSD). Instead, for many, there is a series and accumulation of events and experiences over time. Complex trauma (CPTSD) can be understood as a mental health condition that develops after prolonged or repeated exposure to traumatic events, often beginning in childhood and often including developmental and interpersonal areas of trauma.

​

Common symptoms of complex trauma include: 

​

• Difficulties with emotion regulation

• Difficulties with interpersonal relationships

• Dissociation (including depersonalization and/or derealization)

• Chronic depression

• Hypervigilance, heightened anxiety, or panic attacks 

• Low self-esteem

• Suicidal Ideation 

• Self-harming behaviors

​

Experiences that can contribute to complex trauma include:

​​​

• Experiencing chronic childhood abuse 

• Living with a caregiver who has a mental illness or substance abuse disorder

• Neglect or abandonment from caregivers or those on whom you rely

• Witnessing or experiencing repeated violence or abuse

• Homelessness or repeated displacement 

• Inability to escape repeated or multiple traumas 

• Experiencing prolonged religious and spiritual abuse